I was fortunate to be able to participate in a faculty-led program to Trinidad & Tobago over winter break. We spent about 2 weeks in Trinidad & Tobago studying music, and generally doing what Trinbagonians do! The trip is actually a course worth 1 credit called “Innovative Music Traditions of Trinidad & Tobago.” This course is one of a few faculty-led programs that can take place either over the winter break, or during the summer.

Basically, for 2 weeks, 15 of us students met with internationally known Calypsonians for lecture-demos, talked to Trinidadian author Earl Lovelace, visited pan yards at night, attended a concert, as well as snorkeled, hiked, and bird watched. We did a variety of other activities such as learning how to play steel pan, browsing costumes for Carnival, or being immersed in the Indo-Trinidadian culture. Academic discussions were held almost every single day, and we had to complete a number of assignments before and during our trip. In addition to learning so much about music and culture, I had a really fantastic time and I feel very lucky to participate in such a wonderful program!